Green and Gold Bell Frog (Litoria aurea): is
a frog that has captured the imagination of the Australian public. As with
many frogs, this species has decreased in numbers over the past few years.
When the Olympic Site was being developed at Homebush Bay a colony of Green
and Gold Bell Frogs was discovered. The frog was adopted as the Olympic mascot
and large sums of money were spent to ensure its survival.
Another colony was found in wetlands near Sydney Airport. These wetlands were
once part of Sydney’s water supply.
The image shows a sculpture, by artist Ron Smith, that is a feature of the
Departure Lounge at Sydney Airport. Other colonies have been established in
the Sydney area and now the future of this species seems assured.
Litoria aurea is a large frog about the size of a matchbox. It is dull
olive to bright emerald green above with large irregular blotches of brown or
rich golden-bronze.
The work undertaken to ensure the survival of the Green
and Gold Bell Frog illustrates the shift in attitude to species conservation.
It is difficult to imagine this happening ten years ago.